5 players the Detroit Lions should watch closely at the NFL Combine

At the NFL Combine next week, these five draft prospects should be particularly on the Detroit Lions radar.

The Detroit Lions kickstarted their pre-draft process at the Senior Bowl, with the coaching staff at the helm of one of the teams. Next week, the next major tentpole of the NFL offseason and the pre-draft process comes with the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

The value of some of the things prospects are put through at the combine can be debated, as they’re essentially track and field events with little application to football. But some of the drills, etc. can show what a player has in terms of athleticism, explosiveness, change of direction and pure speed. With the ability to meet with draft prospects as well, the combine has value even if we can dismiss some of it as not meaningful to actual ability to play football.

For the Lions, these five prospects should particularly be on the radar to pay attention to in Indianapolis.

5 2022 draft prospects Detroit Lions should watch closely at the NFL Combine

5. Michigan S Dax Hill

Hill has a slighter frame than might be considered ideal (192 pounds), and he’s not what scouts might call “long” (6-foot tall). But he is athletic, versatile and willing to mix it up close to the line of scrimmage, with ability to play deep safety and cover receivers in the slot (which he mostly did for the Wolverines in 2021). That versatility will play well in the NFL.

As the Lions take a close look at the safety group in Indianapolis, Hill stands as an interesting player Aaron Glenn and Aubrey Pleasant will be especially interested in seeing.